Hybrids vs The High MPG Gassers

[gilbertguy]

This is where the Prius got it right, the AC and water pump are electrically driven so when you come to a stop all of the enviromentals keep running even if the engine turns off. If the battery is low then the engine would turn on to keep things running but that only happens if you're stuck in a lot of stop and go traffic.

[pjaymac]

Originally Posted by MN Driver

No, unless the 2nd gen car is different. The heat/AC only shuts off at idle if you have the econ mode turned on in the climate control system. If you don't want it to shut off you just don't select econ mode, which is something you proactively set with the 1st Gen car. So basically you KNOW you are doing it and if it bugs you, just don't do it. I thought the 2nd gen car was the same. Sometimes I suppose people turn it on knowing it saves them gas but then complain anyway? If you or your friends don't like it the option is always there(at least I'm pretty sure its there with the 2nd gen) to let the system continue to run.

"Why can't there be enough battery draw to keep the heat/AC going?"
The engine needs to run because the coolant circulates with the belt-driven water pump to provide heat to the car and the AC is belt driven too so the engine must be moving. The electric IMA motor is between the engine and transmission so they move together in the Insight, always.

Oh, I see. Thanks. I didn't know the Econ mode was on (if it was).

Thanks for the explanation about the motor.

[pjaymac]

Originally Posted by gilbertguy

This is where the Prius got it right, the AC and water pump are electrically driven so when you come to a stop all of the enviromentals keep running even if the engine turns off. If the battery is low then the engine would turn on to keep things running but that only happens if you're stuck in a lot of stop and go traffic.

Ah, interesting that the Prius is different in this regard, gilbertguy. Thanks!